Adamapur is a small village on the Maharashtra Karnataka border that hosts the Shri Sadguru Balumama Temple at the saint’s samādhi (tomb). Balumama (1892–1966) was a revered shepherd-saint from a Dhangar (Kuruba) family; devotees consider him an incarnation of Lord Shiv. Millions of followers from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh visit his shrine seeking blessings. The temple enshrines Balumama’s memory and teachings, and is a major pilgrimage site drawing devotees year-round.
Historical Background
Shri Balumama (born Ballappa) was born on 3 October 1892 in Akkol village (now in Belgaum district, Karnataka). As a youth he became a shepherd, lived with relatives, and was given a flock of sheep to tend. Married to his sister’s daughter Satyavva, he lived simply and devoted himself to helping the poor. Balumama spent much of his life preaching love, compassion and spirituality; stories of his miracles (healing the ill, providing for the needy) made him famous across villages. In 1966, at age 73 (some accounts say 74), he took samādhi at Adamapur in Kolhapur district. In his honor a white-marble temple was later built at Adamapur, nestled between Nipani (Karnataka) and Radhanagari (Maharashtra), and it is now run by the Shri Balumama Sansthana Trust. (Other smaller Balumama temples exist in the region, but the Adamapur mandir is the principal one.) The trust also tends Balumama’s original sheep flock (now numbering in the lakhs) and runs charitable services like a hospital and community kitchen.
Architecture and Temple Layout
The Adamapur temple is a modern white-marble structure with ornate carvings. Its exterior walls and columns are intricately carved and polished. Above the entrance is a dome-like shikhara, and two stone elephant statues flank the doorway (see image above). Inside, a large prayer hall (mandapa) leads to the inner sanctum. The central garbhagṛha houses Balumama’s samādhi (tomb) beneath a silver-plated dome. The saint’s carved padukas (footwear) are enshrined on top of the tomb. In the sanctuary hall are idols of Saint Balumama and other deities (his guru Balkrishna Mule, Lord Vitthal & Rukmini, and the local goddess Haldesiddhanath) that devotees worship. Daily aarti and offerings take place here. The temple complex also includes a small pond and a shrine to Goddess Mārgudēvī (whom Balumama frequently venerated).
Spiritual Importance and Devotion
Devotees regard Sant Balumama as a protector-saint whose blessings bring prosperity. He is said to have transformed the lives of downtrodden shepherds and villagers, guiding them from “miserable and immoral” lives to spiritual upliftment. Believers credit him with healing miracles and consider his sheep especially sacred: any flock that grazes on a farm is believed to bring good fortune to the owner. Women also commonly offer prayers through his Balumata teachings of compassion and equality. Today the temple is a focal point for devotees’ faith: people come to pray at his Samādhi, perform abhishek (ceremonial baths of the idol), sing devotional bhajans, and take prasāda (sanctified food). The temple trust continues Balumama’s legacy of charity (feeding the poor, running a hospital and annakut charity kitchen) in his name.
Festivals and Rituals
Balumama’s life and teachings are celebrated through several festivals and monthly rituals. The most important is the seven-day Balumama Bhandārā (harvest feast) held in the month of Phalgun (February–March) when thousands or even lakhs of devotees gather. During Bhandārā, the temple hosts daily mass prasad meals (mahaprasāda), devotional singing, and processions carrying Balumama’s palanquin. Weekly rituals include special prayers on Ekadashi/Dwadashi, while every Amavasya (new moon) a large gathering occurs to offer the saint traditional ambil (a sweet-sour yogurt drink) as prasad.
Significant annual observances include Balumama Janmōtsav (birth anniversary) and Balyatra (childhood celebration). Balumama’s Janmōtsav falls on Ashvin Shukla Dwadashi (usually October); on this day his idol is bathed (Abhishekam) and decorated with flowers, followed by kirtan singing and distribution of prasad. In Kartik month (October–November), the Diwali festival is marked by a special Go-Puja (worshipping a cow, since Balumama was a cowherd) and a symbolic sheep-racing event in honor of his devotion to his flock. Devotees also undertake a pādukā yātrā (footstep pilgrimage) from Adamapur to Pandharpur in Ashvin Dwadashi, retracing Balumama’s own devotional journey to the Vitthal temple.
Visitor Information
Adamapur (Pin 416219) lies in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra (Bhudargad taluka). It is well-connected by road. By car or bus: Adamapur is about 45–50 km northwest of Kolhapur city. From Kolhapur, take the Gargoti road via Nipani until Mudhal Titta; then turn left for 2 km to reach Adamapur. (Nipani town in Karnataka is only 25 km away.) State-run and private buses ply from Kolhapur to Nipani and often onward to Adamapur. By train/air: The nearest railway station is Kolhapur (50 km). The closest airport is Belgaum (Karnataka), about 80 km away. From any of these, taxis or local buses can complete the journey to the temple. The roads are generally in good condition, but many pilgrims prefer hiring a private car for convenience.
Temple Hours: The Balumama Temple is open to visitors in the early morning and evening. (As a reference, some guides note timings of roughly 7–11 AM and 5–7 PM.) Entry is free of charge. It is advisable to dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the shrine.
Lodging: For pilgrims, the Shri Balumama Trust operates a basic Bhakta Niwas (guesthouse) in Adamapur at nominal rates. This trust-run dormitory accommodates many visitors, and is usually available except during major festivals. There are also a few private lodges and small hotels in Adamapur for various budgets. During peak festival seasons or weekends, nearby Kolhapur city (50 km away) offers a wider range of hotels and guesthouses. Advanced booking is wise if traveling during Balumama Jayanti or Bhandarā events, as accommodations fill up quickly.
Best Time to Visit: The region’s climate is pleasant in October to February (post-monsoon through winter). This period avoids the heavy rains, and coincides with cool weather and major festivals. Summers (Mar–Jun) can be hot (30–40°C), and the monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings heavy showers. Even so, Balumama devotees visit year-round, especially on Ashadh Amavasya (mid-July) and Ashwin events when special rituals are held.
Nearby Attractions
Adamapur’s serene rural setting offers a blend of nature and spirituality. Immediately around the temple are agricultural fields and gentle hills. Nearby pilgrimage sites include the sacred Appa Siddeshwar (Halsiddhanath) Temple at Appachiwadi village (2–3 km from Adamapur) – this is the Nāndīnī site Balumama himself frequented on Amavasya days. About 10 km away in Nipani, the Naroshankar Temple and local holy springs are also popular.
About 50 km from Adamapur lies Kolhapur city, rich in historic temples and attractions. Key sites there are the famous Mahalaxmi Devi Temple, Jyotiba Temple (on a hill), the fort and summer hill station at Panhala, and the scenic Rankala Lake. Further afield is Narsobawadi (Narsinhwadi), the Dattatreya pilgrimage town on the Krishna river. Nature lovers may visit the nearby Radhanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Ghantadi Range) and the Rautwadi Waterfall (about 28 km south) for its lush forested ghat scenery.
Travel Tips
- Plan for Crowds: Weekends and festival days (especially the 7-day Bhandārā fair or Janmōtsav) see heavy crowds. If you prefer a quieter visit, weekdays or non-festival months are best.
- Stay Hydrated and Prepared: Even in winter, daytime temperatures can be warm. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Carry bottled water; the temple area has basic drinking-water taps. A shawl or light jacket is wise for cool evenings.
- Offerings: Devotees typically bring coconuts, flowers, incense sticks, and fruits as offerings. There are shops in Adamapur selling puja items. Outside shoes are left at the porch before entering the shrine. Photography inside the inner sanctum is generally discouraged.
- Local Transport: Public buses to Adamapur are infrequent. Many visitors hire a private taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kolhapur or Nipani for flexibility. Motorcycle or scooter rental (available in Kolhapur/Nipani) is also an option for experienced riders.
- Lodging: If the temple Bhakta Niwas is full, Kolhapur city offers numerous hotels. Alternatively, small guesthouses in Nipani (25 km away) can be booked. Always carry some cash, as ATMs in Adamapur are not guaranteed.
- Respect Traditions: Balumama’s sheep are venerated; avoid disturbing any animals around. Women should note that, per local custom, they typically do not participate directly in the daily sheep-worship rituals at the temple. As in any holy place, behave respectfully, and consider attending an aarti or bhajan session to fully experience the devotion.